Latest Marketing & Advertising News
US Digital Ad Spending Overtakes Traditional Media
Digital advertising has surpassed television spending, reaching $485 billion globally in 2023 and projected to hit $526 billion in 2024. The advertising agencies market grows from $383.64 billion in 2024 to $398.77 billion in 2025 at 3.9% CAGR, driven by AI, 5G, and video ads. North America and Western Europe lead despite trade tensions impacting costs.
Google Releases 2025 Year in Review with AI Ad Expansions
Google's 2025 Year in Review highlights ads in AI Overviews, new AI Mode inventory, and enhancements to Performance Max, Demand Gen, and YouTube. Ads Advisor and Analytics Advisor provide guided support for marketers. These updates aim to boost mid-funnel performance amid rising AI integration.
Four Key Social Media Marketing Trends for 2026
Social SEO tops funnels as 24% prefer social searches over Google; multi-platform engagement and social customer care are essential. Reddit communities increasingly influence buying decisions per SocialMediaToday and Meltwater study. Marketers must adapt to these shifts for reputation and reach.
McDonald's AI-Generated Christmas Ad Faces Backlash
McDonald's Netherlands pulled its AI holiday ad after criticism for distorted visuals and tone, echoing Coca-Cola's issues. The ad, created over seven weeks with heavy manual adjustments, parodied a Christmas song promoting escape to McDonald's. This highlights risks in AI creative production.
AI and Video to Dominate 2026 Digital Advertising
AI will transform advertiser workflows and behaviors, while CTV and YouTube gain from rising video consumption. These trends position them as major winners in evolving ad landscapes. Marketers should prepare for AI-driven changes in planning and execution.
WPP Media Rebrands and Secures Major Wins in 2025
WPP's media business, now WPP Media, won accounts like Mastercard, Henkel across 30 markets, and Reckitt in 21 European markets starting 2026. Campaigns for Dove's AI-era beauty, Cartier, EE Christmas, and Tesco succeeded at awards. AI and data capabilities drive its transformative growth.
Meta Introduces EU Ad Choice Model for DMA Compliance
Meta allows EU users to opt into lighter ad personalization to meet Digital Markets Act, fragmenting signals for marketers. Brands should test aggressively, use server-side tracking, and focus on creative and first-party data. Expect volatility in EU performance metrics.
Google Integrates Waze into Performance Max
Performance Max now includes Waze for store campaigns with branded pins, promoted places, and navigation ads. It offers channel-level reporting across Search, Maps, YouTube, and Waze for better insights. This enhances real-world intent targeting.
MADUP Raises $23M for Global AI Marketing Expansion
MADUP secured $23M to expand LEVER Xpert, its AI digital marketing agent, into Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and Japan. It broadens from app marketing to IMC and branding services. The funding fuels innovative AI-driven growth.
Amazon's Rufus AI Drives $10B in Sales
Rufus engaged 250M customers in 2025, boosting monthly users 149% and interactions 210%; users are 60% more likely to purchase. CEO Andy Jassy projects over $10B incremental annualized sales. It exemplifies AI's role in e-commerce conversion.
Social Marketers Embrace Reddit and Substack in 2025
Brands like Madewell and Rare Beauty launched Substacks and partnered affiliates; Reddit gained traction for listening despite past challenges. These unconventional platforms helped break through amid TikTok uncertainties. Trends likely persist into 2026.
Horizon Media Deepens Nielsen Integration for Measurement
Horizon expands panel integration with Nielsen One for advanced audience planning and measurement. This builds on the first-ever panel integration to enhance data accuracy. It aids precise marketing intelligence.